Originally published November 26 2014
Healthy food for teens
by Alex Du Toit, Earthie Mama
(NaturalNews) Teenagers are often known for their unhealthy eating habits. They will eat anything within reach that tastes good. The teen years are the most important period of time of physical growth and development that sets the body's state for the adult years. During this period of growth, it is crucial that the body is nourished appropriately. A growing teenager needs a lot of energy from calories. They also need an abundance of protein, iron and calcium to fill their 2,500-3,000 daily calorie intake. Here are some favorable foods that serve many nutritional purposes in the growing body of a teen.
Avocado
Avocados are high in fiber, fat and vitamins that help fill the teen body with energy. Avocados are also full of protein, which helps skin, hair, nails and a growing body.
Beans
Beans are high in carbohydrates that are rich in fiber, minerals and vitamins. This gives a teen energy to support a growing body.
Blueberries
Blueberries are high in antioxidants and vitamins which help protect the body from illness. Blueberries help with brain function and memory; both are important for all of the learning that happens as a teen.
Cherries
Cherries contain a natural form of melatonin that aids in balancing sleep rhythms. Many teenagers have sleep disturbances. Cherries are also high in vitamin C.
Eggs
Eggs are an excellent source of protein and full of minerals and vitamins important for a growing teenager. Please make sure that you are always eating free-range and organic eggs.
Fish
Fish is high in protein for those growing bones. Oily fish are high in omega fatty acids, which are important for mood and hormone balancing. Teenagers can get very moody as they go through puberty, so including more omega-3 fatty acid should help balance them out.
Leafy Greens
Leafy greens are full of nutrients. Some, such as spinach, are so full of iron, which is important for growth and energy in teens. Leafy greens are also good for healthy skin, which is important during puberty when blemishes begin popping up.
Nuts and Seeds
Nuts and seeds are high in dietary fiber. They are high in healthy fats, which fuels the teen to keep going all day. These fats helps maintain healthy brain function. Many nuts like walnuts are very high in omegas. Many seeds, like chia and flax, are also high in omegas.
Peanut Butter
Peanut butter or any nut or seed butter is a great spread for a sandwich for a teen. It adds plenty of fiber and healthy fats to the growing teen's body.
Quinoa
Quinoa is an excellent source of protein and contains all essential amino acids for a growing body.
These highly nutritious foods can be made to taste good enough for the picky teenage palate. For breakfast, try an omelet with leafy greens, a snack of guacamole or hummus with veggies or a handful of nuts. For dinner, try quinoa burgers and chia pudding with blueberries for dessert. There are many healthy, yummy options that will support the growth and development of a teenager.
Sources:
http://www.healthychildren.org
http://teensdigest.com
http://science.naturalnews.com
About the author:
Alex is a TRUE Earthie Mama, helping others tune into their most natural state while bringing harmony and balance into all areas of their lives in order to THRIVE. Alex has a well known blog on health, wellness, conscious parenting, green living and getting off the grid to self sustainability. www.earthiemama.com
Please check out her website at www.earthiemama.com
She sells all natural products and her Ebooks on Natural Body Care Products and 10 Superfoods and Recipes for Babies and Toddlers.
find Earthie Mama on facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Earthie-Mama/34217203...
Alex is a TRUE Earthie Mama, helping others tune into their most natural state while bringing harmony and balance into all areas of their lives in order to THRIVE. Alex has a well known blog on health, wellness, conscious parenting, green living and getting off the grid to self sustainability. www.earthiemama.com
Please check out her website at www.earthiemama.com
She sells all natural products and her Ebooks on Natural Body Care Products and 10 Superfoods and Recipes for Babies and Toddlers.
find Earthie Mama on facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Earthie-Mama/342172032494581?ref=hl
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